If you’re a maker just starting out your journey in sustainability, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to get started. From understanding the types of materials to utilize, learning what steps will help reduce waste and emissions, and finding inspiring new ways to explore creativity that don’t have a negative environmental impact. The good news is there are plenty of resources available for DIYers looking for ways to make their projects more sustainable – from simple switches you can make today, big-picture ideas for longterm change, or exciting new ways makers are helping push sustainability into the future. In these blog posts we’ll look at tips tricks and ideas specifically tailored towards diyers and makers on the road to creating projects with greater eco consciousness so that not only will you create something beautiful but also respect its impact on our planet!
Interesting Instructables and comments for the vertical-axis wind turbines that one Faroun is developing. Here’s his latest progress, based on 4″ PVC pipe for the blades: Check out 4 more turbine designs by the same user here. Things get a bit wobbly at the end, but much healthy progress with an admirably low cost setup!
Ecologue shares this fun recycled chandelier project, created using glass yogurt jars (baby food jars would work too), beaded chain from the hardware store, and an old circular cooling rack. What a lovely and inexpensive way to pretty up your garden!
Here’s a detailed Instructable on building a single-wheeled bike trailer, very similar to the $300+, critically-acclaimed B.O.B. trailer systems, for something like $20. Aside from the coolness factor, one vs. two wheels obviously gives you a nice lowered rolling resistance. My favorite quote from the build is the description of his hitch system (step 8). […]
Pedal to a cold drink… via TreeHugger. Home trainer with heat pump. In the left tub is a bottle of beer, but at the required pedaling to make the beer cool, it’s likely to give up before. A good example to collect personal experience with the princip of a heat pump.
Gorgeous scooter called the “Skippy racer” via Kottke…
From the MAKE Flickr photo pool Sheesh, I know laptops are getting a lot lighter these days, but this is ridiculous! Yosoyelger shows off what at first appears to be an iBook of divine power, alas it is an old shell repurposed as an Applelover’s choice lighting fixture, which of course is still quite neato. […]
I give you my pick for geekiest costume I’ve seen this year: a giant LED costume. Yes, I agree with you that it should have real LEDs on the inside:)
